To the Editor: Since my appointment by then-mayor Joseph Carrigan 10 years ago, I have had the honor and privilege of serving the community of East Rockaway as its acting village justice. During my time on the bench, I hope I dealt with those who appeared before me in a fair and open-minded manner as I tried to dispense justice tempered with mercy. As my time serving the village in this capacity has now come to an end, I wish to thank the residents for their patience and understanding during the times they came before me, and I hope they will continue to demonstrate the same courtesy and respect to our village justice and to whomever replaces me as the acting justice. To the residents, I thank you for allowing me the pleasure to serve you in the past, and I look forward to being granted another opportunity to serve you in the future.Hon. Thomas ChojnackiEast Rockaway

Congratulations, Brian

To the Editor: Congratulations to the Herald’s Brian Croce, who received second place for Rookie Reporter of the Year in the New York Press Association’s 2012 Better Newspaper Contest. Here in Valley Stream, we know of and appreciate Brian’s excellent journalistic skills. It’s nice to see that his work has received such broad-based recognition among the professional newspaper community. This is truly a great honor for such a deserving individual! Keep up the good work, Brian, and kudos to the Herald as well for the excellent tutelage that has helped guide Brian along the path to this award.